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Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated Broken Wings in Books
May 22, 2019
Evening, I made my one hundred and seventy-eighth scratch on the cave wall.
Despite her humble rural beginnings, Butterfly regards herself as a sophisticated young woman. So, when offered a lucrative job in the city, she jumps at the chance.
But instead of being given work, she is trafficked and sold to Bright Black, a desperate man from a poor mountain village.
Trapped in Bright's cave home with her new "husband", she plans her escape not so easily done in this isolated and remote village where she is watched day and night.
Will her tenacity and free spirit survive, or will she be broken?
Chinas one child policy has resulted in a gender imbalance as more male children than female children were born; now young men are having difficulty finding wives. Apparently bride kidnapping has recently resurfaced in some parts of China. In many cases, women are kidnapped and sold to men in poorer regions of the country. This is what happens to Butterfly. In an afterword, the author mentions that her story is based on what happened to the daughter of a neighbour in his home village.
This was very interesting to read for me but did take some patience for me to get into though.
There's a great bunch of characters and a very strong young lady.
It is also heartbreaking to know that this story was inspired by a true account.
Recommend reading.
My thanks to ACA Publishing for an ARC via NetGalley. This is my own honest voluntary review.
Despite her humble rural beginnings, Butterfly regards herself as a sophisticated young woman. So, when offered a lucrative job in the city, she jumps at the chance.
But instead of being given work, she is trafficked and sold to Bright Black, a desperate man from a poor mountain village.
Trapped in Bright's cave home with her new "husband", she plans her escape not so easily done in this isolated and remote village where she is watched day and night.
Will her tenacity and free spirit survive, or will she be broken?
Chinas one child policy has resulted in a gender imbalance as more male children than female children were born; now young men are having difficulty finding wives. Apparently bride kidnapping has recently resurfaced in some parts of China. In many cases, women are kidnapped and sold to men in poorer regions of the country. This is what happens to Butterfly. In an afterword, the author mentions that her story is based on what happened to the daughter of a neighbour in his home village.
This was very interesting to read for me but did take some patience for me to get into though.
There's a great bunch of characters and a very strong young lady.
It is also heartbreaking to know that this story was inspired by a true account.
Recommend reading.
My thanks to ACA Publishing for an ARC via NetGalley. This is my own honest voluntary review.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Red Moon (Red Moon, #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I dont know what I was expecting going into this book, but it definitely wasnt to be so impressed. I downloaded this novel on a whim but it was worth it. The reason I dont give it 5 stars is because I wish the author had told us more about the world. Over the course of the novel, she gives us bits and pieces and its our job to put them together. However, I felt there was still much more she could elaborated on. For once, I actually wanted the author to write a couple paragraphs/pages discussing the history.
I cant say I loved the characters, but, despite their faults, I still cared about them. I felt for the female lead even when I thought that the author may be pushing it with all the trails she put her through. I also appreciate the male lead. He seemed a bit slow on the uptake but we cant expect the characters to just do what we know is best for them. Then there wouldnt be a story. The side characters were also interesting. I found myself waiting for any progress on the female lead's sister and her love interest.
Overall, I thought it was a lovely story. I loved the world the author created and cared enough about the characters that I couldnt put the book down until I finished it. I am very excited to read the continuation which features their son.
I cant say I loved the characters, but, despite their faults, I still cared about them. I felt for the female lead even when I thought that the author may be pushing it with all the trails she put her through. I also appreciate the male lead. He seemed a bit slow on the uptake but we cant expect the characters to just do what we know is best for them. Then there wouldnt be a story. The side characters were also interesting. I found myself waiting for any progress on the female lead's sister and her love interest.
Overall, I thought it was a lovely story. I loved the world the author created and cared enough about the characters that I couldnt put the book down until I finished it. I am very excited to read the continuation which features their son.
Brandy Bentley (3 KP) rated Complicated in Books
Jan 21, 2018
Good small town, law enforcement romance
Contains spoilers, click to show
Complicated is classic Kristen Ashley! Lots of alpha male action that you either love or hate at times, but ultimately love because he's our hero.
Hixon Drake and Greta Dare begin their story with misunderstanding and hurt feelings. After a night together, Hix brushes Greta off like a one night stand and drives off. Greta, a kind-hearted and generous soul, does not know how to hold a grudge, though, so when Hix gets another chance, she lets him in.
Both characters have issues: Hix is a newly single dad with a slightly unstable ex-wife. Greta is responsible for the care of her mentally disabled younger brother (made so by an accident caused by their self-involved mother.) Both have to overcome their hang-ups and interfering third parties in order to finally find their HEA.
Outside of family drama, Hix is the county sheriff investigating a murder in a town that hasn't had a homicide in decades. Greta finds herself attacked by a stalker, which leads her to seek Hix's help.
Ashley is well known in the romance world for crafting swoonworthy alpha heroes and kickass heroines. Complicated is one of her rare standalones, and is not connected to any of her other books.
I really, really LIKED this book, but I can't say that I LOVED it. I'm not sure if I can put my finger on why. I am a huge KA fan, and LOVE many of her books; most of which I've read more than once.
Hixon Drake and Greta Dare begin their story with misunderstanding and hurt feelings. After a night together, Hix brushes Greta off like a one night stand and drives off. Greta, a kind-hearted and generous soul, does not know how to hold a grudge, though, so when Hix gets another chance, she lets him in.
Both characters have issues: Hix is a newly single dad with a slightly unstable ex-wife. Greta is responsible for the care of her mentally disabled younger brother (made so by an accident caused by their self-involved mother.) Both have to overcome their hang-ups and interfering third parties in order to finally find their HEA.
Outside of family drama, Hix is the county sheriff investigating a murder in a town that hasn't had a homicide in decades. Greta finds herself attacked by a stalker, which leads her to seek Hix's help.
Ashley is well known in the romance world for crafting swoonworthy alpha heroes and kickass heroines. Complicated is one of her rare standalones, and is not connected to any of her other books.
I really, really LIKED this book, but I can't say that I LOVED it. I'm not sure if I can put my finger on why. I am a huge KA fan, and LOVE many of her books; most of which I've read more than once.
Merissa (12788 KP) rated Defenseless (Somerton Security #1) in Books
Jun 21, 2018
Defenseless (Somerton Security #1) by Elizabeth Dyer
Defenceless is the first book in the Somerton Security series, and we meet the guys and girls of that for the first time. Georgia is an ex-marine, hanging onto her job by her fingernails. She is not your 'typical' woman, and can't be doing with frou-frou, which doesn't help with the socialite crowd. When her boss, Ethan, offers her a job, she knows it's last chance saloon. What she didn't know was how Parker, super geek supreme, would affect her.
This was a great book to start the series with - it has pretty much everything you could want, plus a nice role reversal of male geek and female marine. There is action and suspense, along with a healthy dose of anticipation and sorrow. I think the only thing that stopped this being a 5-star review from me is Georgia herself. She is fantastic at supporting Parker and boosting his confidence, but her own is so low. This may sound harsh, but I got a little bit fed up of 'poor Georgia' and wanted her to kick ass like she had done so many times before.
With a great storyline, no editing or grammatical errors to be noticed, plus a smooth and flowing pace, this book was thoroughly enjoyable, and definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This was a great book to start the series with - it has pretty much everything you could want, plus a nice role reversal of male geek and female marine. There is action and suspense, along with a healthy dose of anticipation and sorrow. I think the only thing that stopped this being a 5-star review from me is Georgia herself. She is fantastic at supporting Parker and boosting his confidence, but her own is so low. This may sound harsh, but I got a little bit fed up of 'poor Georgia' and wanted her to kick ass like she had done so many times before.
With a great storyline, no editing or grammatical errors to be noticed, plus a smooth and flowing pace, this book was thoroughly enjoyable, and definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Kevin Wilson (179 KP) rated The Last Showing (2014) in Movies
Jul 22, 2018
Robert Englund (3 more)
Interesting premise
Self-referential, Feels like a homage to Wes craven
Creepy moments
Manipulative, suspenseful and an iconic horror actor!
Why are there only 2 people going to the cinema? I understand it's midnight but surely there would be more. A cinema wouldn't stay open just for 2 people right?
Not believable but I understand this is a low budget movie with a small cast. I went into this with low expectations and I have to say it was better than I expected.
It has now cemented the fear of going to the cinema of a night time so the movie did a good job with that.
Robert Englumd is incredible as this manipulative psychotic creep. He is sinister yet he brings so much depth to the role that you feel some kind of understanding as to why he's doing this. The other male lead was not that likeable. He was outsmarted time and time again and the female lead had little screen time sadly.
Premise is simple about a guy sick of the current cheesy horror movies about now, gets fired so decides to makes his own horror movie. I would really call this a horror though, more a suspenseful thriller. It was interesting to see the story play out through so much manipulation and planning by the sinister Stuart.
Full of suspense throughout but could have had more, it kind of lose me towards the end but I must say the ending was very satisfying.
Not believable but I understand this is a low budget movie with a small cast. I went into this with low expectations and I have to say it was better than I expected.
It has now cemented the fear of going to the cinema of a night time so the movie did a good job with that.
Robert Englumd is incredible as this manipulative psychotic creep. He is sinister yet he brings so much depth to the role that you feel some kind of understanding as to why he's doing this. The other male lead was not that likeable. He was outsmarted time and time again and the female lead had little screen time sadly.
Premise is simple about a guy sick of the current cheesy horror movies about now, gets fired so decides to makes his own horror movie. I would really call this a horror though, more a suspenseful thriller. It was interesting to see the story play out through so much manipulation and planning by the sinister Stuart.
Full of suspense throughout but could have had more, it kind of lose me towards the end but I must say the ending was very satisfying.
Debbiereadsbook (1421 KP) rated Fighting for All (Soul Match #5) in Books
Jun 30, 2018
a fitting end!
This is book 5 in the series and you really should read the other four before this one. You will need what everyone has been through to get to this point. And because I said so?
Chris, Lasar and Nary arrive at the air base the rebellion is camped out at, with the Nall and his forces hot on his heels. Can they overcome the Nall and more importantly, the Void? The fate of the human race AND Alasharian people depend on it!
It's always sad to see the end of a series, particularly one I've enjoyed so much, but Ms Knight pulls a blinder with this one!!
All three triads have their time, both sexy and fighting the Void. Lasar suffers a terrible loss. Morgan and Rama are gravely injured. The Sha Sha Ar actually turns up for real too! And Chris fully embraces his destiny. I loved that there were some male/female pairings beginning here too, and that they were unexpected. I loved that the Sha Sha Ar changed the rules, so that not only Chris embraces his destiny, but Lasar and Nary too.
While it's obvious what the outcome of the battle is, it's HOW it's won that would be spoilers, and what the participants to to overcome the pull of the Void.
I can't say much else, or that would be spoilers, but know that love really does make the world go round, no matter what!!
Fabulous finale, thank you Ms Knight!!
5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere*
Chris, Lasar and Nary arrive at the air base the rebellion is camped out at, with the Nall and his forces hot on his heels. Can they overcome the Nall and more importantly, the Void? The fate of the human race AND Alasharian people depend on it!
It's always sad to see the end of a series, particularly one I've enjoyed so much, but Ms Knight pulls a blinder with this one!!
All three triads have their time, both sexy and fighting the Void. Lasar suffers a terrible loss. Morgan and Rama are gravely injured. The Sha Sha Ar actually turns up for real too! And Chris fully embraces his destiny. I loved that there were some male/female pairings beginning here too, and that they were unexpected. I loved that the Sha Sha Ar changed the rules, so that not only Chris embraces his destiny, but Lasar and Nary too.
While it's obvious what the outcome of the battle is, it's HOW it's won that would be spoilers, and what the participants to to overcome the pull of the Void.
I can't say much else, or that would be spoilers, but know that love really does make the world go round, no matter what!!
Fabulous finale, thank you Ms Knight!!
5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere*
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Doll Collection in Books
Nov 11, 2018
Strangely entertaining
Once again, this is a love it or hate it book and, once again, I find myself saying that I was strangely entertained ... maybe that says more about me - should I be worried?!?
The main character in this book, Gloria, is a thoroughly despicable person. I can't even begin to tell you how much I disliked her BUT she is perfect for the story ... not only is she a thoroughly loathsome and abhorrent person, she is as mad as a box of frogs let me tell you; I am so pleased that I don't need a lodger or have her living next door to me!
The other characters are a bit "meh" to be honest; very few redeeming qualities amongst any of them, they are a little wooden and one-dimensional which was a little disappointing.
The story is quite unique; it was a refreshing change to have the female as the dominating character over the male and the writing flowed well and at a good pace. The dolls only feature a few times which was odd given the title of the book and although we did get a glimpse as to how and why Gloria started her collection, I don't think this was fleshed out enough.
Overall, although it's not perfect and everything wraps up rather too simplistically, this book is oddly enjoyable and that ending ... I didn't see that coming!
Thank you to the publisher, Bloodhound Books, via NetGalley for my advanced e-copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
The main character in this book, Gloria, is a thoroughly despicable person. I can't even begin to tell you how much I disliked her BUT she is perfect for the story ... not only is she a thoroughly loathsome and abhorrent person, she is as mad as a box of frogs let me tell you; I am so pleased that I don't need a lodger or have her living next door to me!
The other characters are a bit "meh" to be honest; very few redeeming qualities amongst any of them, they are a little wooden and one-dimensional which was a little disappointing.
The story is quite unique; it was a refreshing change to have the female as the dominating character over the male and the writing flowed well and at a good pace. The dolls only feature a few times which was odd given the title of the book and although we did get a glimpse as to how and why Gloria started her collection, I don't think this was fleshed out enough.
Overall, although it's not perfect and everything wraps up rather too simplistically, this book is oddly enjoyable and that ending ... I didn't see that coming!
Thank you to the publisher, Bloodhound Books, via NetGalley for my advanced e-copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated Behind the Door in Books
Jan 31, 2019
After seeing Behind the Door on NetGalley and noticing it was written by a female author I’d never read, I absolutely had to have it, and so I requested it. Horror is a largely male community, especially when it comes to those that write. A little background research showed me I’ve really been missing out with SanGiovanni so when my request was approved, I was joyous. Needless to say, Behind the Door is probably one of my favorite reads so far this year.
The characters in Behind the Door are dynamic, with varying flaws, backgrounds, and intricately interwoven stories–some of which are heartbreaking, others which are revolting. SanGiovanni has talent when it comes to fleshing out a wide array of individuals and even those I shouldn’t have felt sympathy for, I did. Rarely do I connect emotionally with characters in a book, so this was a welcome surprise.
Additionally, the plot flies along at a breakneck pace, making for a quick and easy read. It only took me a few sessions (despite my reading slump) to finish this suspense-ridden book. I loved the Lovecraftian theme of old gods and locked away horrors.
I really have nothing negative to say about this book. Everything was wrapped up nicely and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it–in fact, I look forward to the opportunity to read more of SanGiovanni’s work.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
The characters in Behind the Door are dynamic, with varying flaws, backgrounds, and intricately interwoven stories–some of which are heartbreaking, others which are revolting. SanGiovanni has talent when it comes to fleshing out a wide array of individuals and even those I shouldn’t have felt sympathy for, I did. Rarely do I connect emotionally with characters in a book, so this was a welcome surprise.
Additionally, the plot flies along at a breakneck pace, making for a quick and easy read. It only took me a few sessions (despite my reading slump) to finish this suspense-ridden book. I loved the Lovecraftian theme of old gods and locked away horrors.
I really have nothing negative to say about this book. Everything was wrapped up nicely and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it–in fact, I look forward to the opportunity to read more of SanGiovanni’s work.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Her Wolf (Westervelt Wolves #1) in Books
Aug 12, 2019
Loved it!
Contains spoilers, click to show
Ashlee Morrison has a secret obsession—with a dark and mysterious male. The only problem is that he’s a wolf and she’s becoming convinced that she’s insane. But Ashlee’s wolf is no ordinary canine; he is Tristan Kane, third son in the royal family of the Westervelt Wolf pack.
Trapped in his wolf form by his evil father’s men, Tristan has desperately sought a way out of predicament and is shocked to find that the sad but beautiful redhead who has come to the wolf cage can not only hear him, but awakens in him the knowledge that she is his mate, the other half of his soul.
Ashlee, unaware that she is half wolf-shifter, agrees to accompany Tristan back to his pack in Maine to seek answers to her past and understand her future. But as Tristan and Ashlee grow closer, familial betrayals will threaten to destroy the fragile love they have started to build.
With the odds stacked against them, Ashlee and Tristan will either embrace their love to save the Westervelt Wolves or be lost forever to despair.
<strong>Brilliant</strong>
I was looking forward to this as other books of Rebecca's I've enjoyed. This one has to be my favourite so far! I loved the whole concept of it. It was told brilliantly especially for her her first published book. I really enjoyed the conversation between Ash and her wolf. I'm very much looking forward to reading the test of the series !
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Trapped in his wolf form by his evil father’s men, Tristan has desperately sought a way out of predicament and is shocked to find that the sad but beautiful redhead who has come to the wolf cage can not only hear him, but awakens in him the knowledge that she is his mate, the other half of his soul.
Ashlee, unaware that she is half wolf-shifter, agrees to accompany Tristan back to his pack in Maine to seek answers to her past and understand her future. But as Tristan and Ashlee grow closer, familial betrayals will threaten to destroy the fragile love they have started to build.
With the odds stacked against them, Ashlee and Tristan will either embrace their love to save the Westervelt Wolves or be lost forever to despair.
<strong>Brilliant</strong>
I was looking forward to this as other books of Rebecca's I've enjoyed. This one has to be my favourite so far! I loved the whole concept of it. It was told brilliantly especially for her her first published book. I really enjoyed the conversation between Ash and her wolf. I'm very much looking forward to reading the test of the series !
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Line (Witching Savannah, #1) in Books
Mar 6, 2020
Savannah is considered a Southern treasure, a city of beauty with a rich, colorful past. Some might even call it magical…
To the uninitiated, Savannah shows only her bright face and genteel manner. Those who know her well, though, can see beyond her colonial trappings and small-city charm to a world where witchcraft is respected, Hoodoo is feared, and spirits linger. Mercy Taylor is all too familiar with the supernatural side of Savannah, being a member of the most powerful family of witches in the South.
Despite being powerless herself, of course.
Having grown up without magic of her own, in the shadow of her talented and charismatic twin sister, Mercy has always thought herself content. But when a series of mishaps—culminating in the death of the Taylor matriarch—leaves a vacuum in the mystical underpinnings of Savannah, she finds herself thrust into a mystery that could shake her family apart…and unleash a darkness the line of Taylor witches has been keeping at bay for generations.
Ok so I have read a few books lately where a male is writing a lead female and have been so disappointed with them, not this time I loved the way Mercy is written I enjoyed the mix of supernatural and murder mystery plus the twists and turns. It was very well written and kept you wanting to read more even late into the night as it is now.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and really looking forward to book 2!
To the uninitiated, Savannah shows only her bright face and genteel manner. Those who know her well, though, can see beyond her colonial trappings and small-city charm to a world where witchcraft is respected, Hoodoo is feared, and spirits linger. Mercy Taylor is all too familiar with the supernatural side of Savannah, being a member of the most powerful family of witches in the South.
Despite being powerless herself, of course.
Having grown up without magic of her own, in the shadow of her talented and charismatic twin sister, Mercy has always thought herself content. But when a series of mishaps—culminating in the death of the Taylor matriarch—leaves a vacuum in the mystical underpinnings of Savannah, she finds herself thrust into a mystery that could shake her family apart…and unleash a darkness the line of Taylor witches has been keeping at bay for generations.
Ok so I have read a few books lately where a male is writing a lead female and have been so disappointed with them, not this time I loved the way Mercy is written I enjoyed the mix of supernatural and murder mystery plus the twists and turns. It was very well written and kept you wanting to read more even late into the night as it is now.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and really looking forward to book 2!